Animal News Desk / Cathy Kangas

Published 1:52 pm, Thursday, September 19, 2013

I know it's autumn, not because the leaves are changing color, but because my favorite event, "Puttin' on the Dog," is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Greenwich's Roger Sherman Baldwin Park.

Last year, more than 7,000 people came out to support their four-legged friends and raise money for Adopt-A-Dog, a fabulous organization that has placed thousands of dogs and cats with caring new owners.

This year's event promises to be better than ever. The Veterinary Cancer Center (VCC) in Norwalk offers owners and their pets an opportunity to be photographed by renowned animal photographer, Marshall Boprey. The VCC has an outstanding track record caring for pets diagnosed with cancer and I am sure some of their success stories plan on attending the festival.

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Kids will love visiting Pet Pantry Warehouse's pavilion and getting a "pawtograh" from Winston, the talented dog who played Murray in the Disney movie "Frenemies."

Kudos to Pet Pantry Warehouse, a longtime supporter of Adopt-A-Dog for arranging this. This family-owned business with stores in Greenwich, New Canaan and Wilton as well as Larchmont and Rye, N.Y., will offer also offer generous free samples.

Want to get a free chair massage or have your face painted? Visit the "Pawspitality" tent sponsored by Cornell University Veterinary Specialists based in Stamford. Tasty treats, popcorn, refreshments and more will be available from the wonderful vets who make up this practice.

Feeling lonely because you are surrounded by folks with their four-legged friends? The adoption sponsor, Blue Buffalo, a quality all-natural dog and cat food brand, has dozens of wonderful shelter dogs right on site looking for a new home. These are great dogs who just need a second chance. The new playground sponsor, Radio Disney New York, has games, prizes, music, dancing and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet a special dog author with her dog, Schmitty.

There's live music all day performed by The Head Rattlers and Billy & The Showmen and Ridgefield's bluegrass favorites -- The Angry O'Hara's -- made possible by Reckson. Escape the crowds at the hospitality sponsor Fairway Market's VIF (Very Important Friends) pavilion and enjoy gourmet refreshments.

I plan on spending the whole day at "Puttin' On the Dog" getting free treats for my four rescue dogs who eagerly await my return because they know, along with everyone else, that this is a great day to celebrate dogs.

Since 1981, Adopt-A-Dog has place thousands of dogs and cats with caring new owners. The charity's facility, its dedicated staff and volunteers has changed the lives of animals desperate for a new home. So pack up the kids and the dog and head to Greenwich.

For more information about the "Puttin' On The Dog" festival, tickets or how you can help with a donation, visit www.adoptadog.org or call 914-273-1674.